The 2025 NFL Draft is still a year away, but it’s never too early to start evaluating the top quarterback prospects. While the 2024 draft class dominated headlines with talents like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels, the 2025 group has plenty of potential stars in the making as well.
However, many of these quarterbacks still have more to prove before cementing their draft stock. Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 QB prospects for 2025 and what they need to show this upcoming college football season.
1. Carson Beck, Georgia
Carson Beck has emerged as one of the early favorites to be taken No. 1 in the 2025 draft after an impressive first year as Georgia’s starter. The 6’4″, 215-pound pocket passer completed over 72% of his throws for nearly 4,000 yards and 24 TDs in 2023.
Beck’s poise under pressure, field vision, and ability to layer passes into tight windows have drawn comparisons to Joe Burrow. With another strong season, he could lock up the top pick.
2. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
The son of Deion Sanders is oozing with potential with many saying he could be the top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. After a promising 2023 campaign where he tossed 27 TDs to just 3 INTs, Sanders will look to take the next step in 2024.
While playing behind a shaky O-line affected his mechanics at times, the 6’2″ Sanders has flashed smooth athleticism, touch accuracy, and easy arm talent reminiscent of Geno Smith. He also can beat you with his legs, scoring four times on the ground in 2023. Cutting down on the sacks and refining his mechanics could vault him to the top of the draft class.
3. Cameron Ward, Miami (FL)
Few QBs in the 2025 class can match Cameron Ward’s pure arm talent. The 6’2″, 223-pound transfer from Washington State is a wizard at making off-platform throws and creating plays when the pocket breaks down.
However, Ward struggled with consistency in 2023, cooling off considerably after a scorching four-game start. He’ll need to show better decision-making and mechanics to maximize his tantalizing tools. Doing so could make him a top-10 lock.
4. Jalen Milroe, Alabama
Electric. That’s the best word to describe Jalen Milroe’s dual-threat abilities. The 6’2″, 220-pound QB accounted for over 3,000 total yards and 35 TDs last year, bouncing back strong after a midseason benching.
Milroe still has room to grow as a passer in terms of mechanics and processing speed. But his dynamic running ability and powerful arm give him an alluring skill set. Cutting down on the negative plays is key, something that Michigan was able to expose a bit of in the Rose Bowl.
5. Graham Mertz, Florida
After reviving his career with a transfer to Florida, Graham Mertz could be poised for a Joe Burrow-esque rise up the draft boards. The 6’3″ former Wisconsin starter was ruthlessly efficient in 2023, completing nearly 73% of his passes with a 20-3 TD-INT ratio. Many say he was the lone bright spot in what was an overall disappointing year for the Gators.
Mertz couples prototypical size with a strong arm and improving field manipulation skills. If he takes another step forward with his decision-making, the first round is very much in play.
Other Names to Watch
The rest of the top 10 includes high-upside prospects who each have significant questions to answer:
- DJ Uiagalelei, Florida State: Can the former Clemson starter rediscover his 5-star form in Tallahassee? The tools are there.
- Noah Fifita, Arizona: An undersized but dynamic playmaker who put up big numbers in 2023. Very Bryce Young-esque.
- Conner Weigman, Texas A&M: Former five-star recruit coming off an injury-shortened 2023. Big arm and solid athleticism.
- Jalon Daniels, Kansas: Electric dual-threat with medical red flags after a back injury sidelined him in 2023.
- Quinn Ewers, Texas: The one-time super recruit is still struggling to put it all together. Needs to clean up his mechanics or else he’ll be put behind Arch Manning.
The Importance of Continued Development and Evaluation
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, it is crucial to remember that the prospects mentioned in this article still have ample time to develop and showcase their skills. The college football landscape is ever-changing, and a single season can significantly impact a player’s draft stock. Scouts and analysts will closely monitor the progress of these quarterbacks, paying attention to their ability to adapt to new challenges, refine their techniques, and demonstrate leadership on and off the field.
Furthermore, the evaluation process extends beyond individual player performance. Factors such as team success, strength of schedule, and the ability to perform in high-pressure situations will also play a role in determining the final draft order. As the 2024 college football season unfolds, it will be fascinating to observe how these talented quarterbacks navigate their respective paths to the NFL, and which ones ultimately rise to the top of the 2025 draft class.
The Verdict
Overall, the 2025 QB class has a chance to stack up well with the vaunted 2024 group, especially at the top. Beck and Sanders look like potential franchise guys, with Ward, Milroe, and Mertz all flashing exciting traits as well.
Of course, we say this every year, but a lot can change between now and next April, especially at the game’s most demanding position.
The Cardinals NFL odds of landing a top QB in 2025 may depend on how things transpire this season. Despite recently signing Kyler Murray to a five-year extension, there will be pressure for him to perform this year, or else he could be put on the trade block.
Ultimately, the 2025 quarterback class still has much to prove. But the potential is there for this to be a special group. From the pocket presence of Carson Beck to the dazzling playmaking of Shedeur Sanders, there’s no shortage of enticing prospects to monitor throughout the 2024 college football season.
